U.S. patent application number 11/367947 was filed with the patent office on 2006-10-26 for portable locator methods and systems.
Invention is credited to Peter Wolfgang Teesdale.
Application Number | 20060238610 11/367947 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37186423 |
Filed Date | 2006-10-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060238610 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Teesdale; Peter Wolfgang |
October 26, 2006 |
Portable locator methods and systems
Abstract
A method of tracking a person or object within a desired area is
provided. The method includes associating a locator device to the
person or object; setting a regarded map representative of the
desired area in a portable monitoring device; calibrating the
portable monitoring device to the locator device; and displaying a
location of the person or object on the portable monitoring device
with respect to the regarded map.
Inventors: |
Teesdale; Peter Wolfgang;
(Tuscaloosa, AL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Paul D. Greeley;Ohlandt , Greeley, Ruggiero & Perle, L.L.P.
10th Floor
One Landmark Square
Stamford
CT
06901-2682
US
|
Family ID: |
37186423 |
Appl. No.: |
11/367947 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60658729 |
Mar 4, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/14.02 ;
340/539.13 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C 9/28 20200101; G07C
2011/02 20130101; G08B 21/0202 20130101; G01S 5/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/014.02 ;
340/539.13 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/14 20060101
H04N007/14 |
Claims
1. A method of tracking a person or object within a desired area,
comprising: associating a locator device to the person or object;
setting a regarded map representative of the desired area in a
portable monitoring device; calibrating said portable monitoring
device to said locator device; and displaying a location of the
person or object on said portable monitoring device with respect to
said regarded map.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said portable monitoring device
is a device selected from the group consisting a beeper, a laptop
computer, a personal digital assistant, a cell phone, a portable
Global Positioning System Receiver and any combinations
thereof.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein setting said regarded map
comprises downloading said regarded map from a database or other
preset medium.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein setting said regarded map
comprises teaching said portable monitoring device the desired
area.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein teaching said portable monitoring
device the desired area comprises placing said portable monitoring
device in a learn mode and moving said portable monitoring device
to a plurality of locations defining a boundary of the desired
area.
6. A method of tracking people within a desired area, comprising:
loading a regarded map on a first portable console unit;
associating a first locator device to said first portable console
unit; associating said first locator device to a first person;
associating said first portable console unit to a second person;
and displaying a location of said first person on said first
portable console unit with respect to said regarded map.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: associating another
locator device to said first portable console unit; associating
said another locator device to a third person; and displaying a
location of said another person on said first portable console unit
with respect to said regarded map
8. The method of claim 6, wherein said first portable console unit
further comprises a second locator device and said first locator
device further comprises a second portable console unit.
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: loading said regarded
map on said second portable console unit; associating said second
locator device to said second portable console unit; and displaying
a location of said second person on said second portable console
unit with respect to said regarded map.
10. A locator system comprising: a portable console unit having a
display device; a locator device to be carried by a person to be
tracked; and a regarded map or area displayed on said display unit,
said regarded map including a location of said locator device with
respect to said regarded map.
11. The locator system of claim 10, wherein said portable console
unit is selected from the group consisting of a beeper, a laptop
computer, a personal digital assistant, a cell phone, a portable
Global Positioning System Receiver and any combinations
thereof.
12. The locator system of claim 10, wherein said locator device is
an active locator device, a passive locator device, or any
combination thereof.
13. The locator system of claim 10, wherein said locator device is
embedded in a carrier device carried by the person.
14. The locator system of claim 10, wherein said regarded map is
stored in memory resident on said portable console unit.
15. The locator system of claim 10, wherein said regarded map
comprises a user set limit, said portable console unit activating
an alarm when said locator device moves outside of said user set
limit.
16. The locator system of claim 10, wherein said regarded map
comprises a user set point of interest.
17. The locator system of claim 10, wherein said portable console
unit receives signals having said location.
18. The locator system of claim 10, wherein said portable console
unit further comprises a display window, said display window
identifying the person with which said locator device
associated.
19. The locator system of claim 10, wherein said portable console
unit further comprises a recall button, said recall button being
configured to selectively activate an alarm on said locator
device.
20. The locator system of claim 10, wherein said locator device
further comprises a panic button, said panic button being
configured to selectively activate an alarm on said portable
console unit.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/658,729, filed Mar. 4, 2005, the contents
of which are incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This application relates to portable locator methods and
systems for monitoring and/or verifying the location of objects
and/or people. More particularly, this application relates to
methods and portable devices for monitoring and/or verifying the
location of objects and/or people.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] The field of wireless communications to locate objects,
generally for child, car and/or animal location, has been well
documented. The general location mechanisms are defined by a
combination of transceivers and potential third-party systems like
GPS systems or ground-based systems to determine the current
position of the desired person. In such systems, transceivers
transmit and receive signals so that the desired positional data
can be determined.
[0006] Other prior applications are iterations of the same theme
whereby a locator is attached to the object or child that renders
positional data by GPS systems, cellular communication systems,
radio beacon detectors and so on.
[0007] However, there is a continuing need for further improvements
in the field of portable locator systems and devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A locator system to enable monitoring and verification of
objects within a predefined geographical area is provided. The
system includes a portable console unit with a display device
enabled by software for visual or otherwise depiction of
geographical location of one or more locator devices. The console
unit wirelessly polls the locator devices to continually establish
a geographical location of the locator devices. The locator devices
receive and/or transmit relational geographical location data to
the console unit.
[0009] A method of tracking a person or object within a desired
area is provided. The method includes associating a locator device
to the person or object; setting a regarded map representative of
the desired area in a portable monitoring device; calibrating the
portable monitoring device to the locator device; and displaying a
location of the person or object on the portable monitoring device
with respect to the regarded map.
[0010] A method of tracking people within a desired area is also
provided. The method includes loading a regarded map on a first
portable console unit; associating a first locator device to the
first portable console unit; associating the first locator device
to a first person; associating the first portable console unit to a
second person; and displaying a location of the first person on the
first portable console unit with respect to the regarded map.
[0011] A locator system is also provided that includes a portable
console unit, a locator device, and a regarded map. The portable
console unit has a display device. The locator device is configured
to be carried by a person to be tracked. The regarded map is
displayed on the display unit and the regarded map includes a
location of the locator device with respect to the regarded
map.
[0012] The above-described and other features and advantages of the
present invention will be appreciated and understood by those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description,
drawings, and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a portable
locator system according to the present disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment a console
unit for use with the system of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a first side view of the console unit of FIG.
2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a second side view of the console unit of FIG. 2;
and
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a locator
device for use with the system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary embodiment of a
locator system 10 according to the present disclosure is shown.
System 10 includes a portable console unit 12 and one or more
locator devices 14. Locator devices 14 can be attached to or
otherwise associated with an object 16 to be tracked. System 10 is
configured to display the location of object 16 on console unit 12
within a regarded map or area 18.
[0019] Console unit 12 is a portable digital unit having a display
device 20. As used herein, the term "portable" shall mean that the
unit that can be carried by and/or on a person. Console unit 12 can
be a standalone device used solely for locator system 10.
Alternately, console unit 12 can be integrated into any portable
digital unit having display device 18 such as, but not limited to a
laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a cell phone,
a beeper, a wireless communication device, a portable Global
Positioning System (GPS) Receiver and any combinations thereof. In
an exemplary embodiment, console unit 12 can be a PDA such as those
available under the tradenames Palm Pilot, iPod, Treo, and
others.
[0020] Locator device 14 can be an active device that actively
sends locating signals, a passive device that can be detected by
locating signals, or any combination thereof. In an exemplary
embodiment, object 16 can be a person (e.g., a child, soldier,
etc.), an animal (e.g., a pet), a car, cargo, goods, machinery, or
any other object whose location is to be tracked. For example,
locator device 14 can be embedded in a carrier device (not shown)
such as, but not limited to, a running shoe, a watch, a cell phone,
a PDA, and the like, where the carrier device can be associated
(e.g., worn, carried, or otherwise attached) to the object 16.
[0021] Regarded map 18 is a relational coordinate system that
allows a user to monitor the location of object 16 within a
predefined area. In the example where locator device 14 is
associated with a child, regarded map 18 can be a sporting stadium,
a neighborhood, a park (e.g., Disney World), arenas, malls,
universities, and other locations. In this manner, system 10 allows
a user having console unit 12 to view the location of the tagged
object or person 16 on regarded map 18.
[0022] Regarded map 18 can be stored in memory resident on console
unit 12. For example, regarded map 18 can be stored on an e-prom
resident on control unit 12. Regarded map 18 can be stored on a
readable storage device such as a DVD or jump drive, which can be
read by console unit 12.
[0023] It is contemplated by the present disclosure for the user to
have the ability to change, adjust, or set regarded map 18. For
example, it is contemplated for the user to download via a wired or
wireless connection the regarded map 18 onto console unit 12. In
another example, console unit 12 can be carried about the area to
be set as regarded map 18 and enter in one or more points that
define the regarded map.
[0024] It is also contemplated for the user to set limits 26 within
regarded map 18, where the console unit 12 will alarm the user in
the event that locator device 14 moves outside of limits 26. In the
illustrated embodiment, limits 26 are shown for purposes of clarity
as being the extent of regarded map 18. Of course, it is
contemplated by the present disclosure for limits 26 to be wholly
within regarded map 18. In this manner, system 10 can notify a
parent when a child moves outside of the area defined by limits 26
or enters an area defined by limits 26.
[0025] Further, it is contemplated for the user to set a particular
point of interest 28 such as, but not limited to a car location, a
seat location, an emergency meeting point, within regarded map
18.
[0026] In one embodiment, console unit 12 is configured to
determine the geographical coordinates of locator devices 14 from
reception of signals 22 from a transmitter 24. Transmitter 24 can
be a GPS system, a ground-based technology, radio frequency system
(e.g., a wireless network such as WIFI), and others. In another
embodiment, console unit 12 wirelessly sends and receives signals
22 from locator devices 14.
[0027] In either embodiment, console unit 12 is a self-contained
portable console unit which, through generalized wireless
communications, provides in graphical and/or textual from the
location of locator devices 14 within regarded map 18 on console
unit 12. Thus, console unit 12 translates signals 22 into a set of
coordinates and relates those coordinates to regarded map 18.
Console unit 12 displays the location of locator device 14 on
display device 20 within regarded map 18. For example, display
device 20 can graphically display and/or textually display the
relational coordinates of locator devices 14 on console unit 12.
Thus, console unit 12 can be configured to perform all necessary
calculations for determining the coordinates of locator device 14.
This embodiment may be particularly useful where console unit 12 is
a stand-alone device.
[0028] In a second embodiment, console unit 12 can receive signals
22 having the coordinates of locator device 14 already calculated.
In this embodiment, console unit 12 merely receives wireless
signals 22 and displays the location of locator devices 14 on
regarded map 18. This embodiment may be particularly useful where
the functionality of console unit 12 is embedded within a
pre-existing portable electronic device.
[0029] In use, console unit 12 is synchronized or calibrated to
detect one or more locator devices 14. Hence, a novel feature of
the console locator system is the fact that it be carried to the
mapped geographical area and the locator device immediately
monitored and tracked therein once synced with the console.
[0030] Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 4, an exemplary embodiment
of a stand-alone console unit 12 is shown.
[0031] The primary interpretation of geographical location data of
locator device(s) is through the console unit's display device 20,
such as a LCD screen. Display device 20 displays regarded map 18
and the location of locator device 14 in the regarded map. Display
device 20 can be a textual geographical display, touchscreen, a
color screen, or other displays for communicating the relative
geographical position with respect to regarded map 18.
[0032] Console unit 12 can include one or more input devices 30,
such as a directional dial and keypad. Input devices 30 allow for
interactive access and zooming capabilities; for syncing of locator
devices 14, saving data, retrieving data, ad hoc interrogation of
locator device whereabouts specific to the geographical area under
consideration, defined selection options for instance
predetermining safe ranges within the regarded mappings and alert
signal settings on close proximity and contravention, data storage,
scrolling of synced locator devices, and other optional related
functions. The scope of the function of input devices will be
determined by the model type of the console unit and complexity of
operations sought.
[0033] Console unit 12 can include a processor and/or memory 32.
The present disclosure proposes a memory (EPROM, RAM, DDR, memory
card, as required) capability to store and retrieve geographical
and locator device(s) data, historical and/or real time, and other
related data together with an operating system (control unit,
arithmetic logic unit, ROM) and related microchip hardware
requirements for operation and control of all functions pertinent
to the unit and system. Circuitry for a clock timer, for example
for standard internal operations of the unit as well as any time
stamping requirements for any transmission records, alarm settings,
are assumed and will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
[0034] In some embodiments, console unit 12 can also include, in
addition to and/or as part of display device 20, a display window
34 wherein the identity of each locator device 14 can be displayed,
indicating relational geographic coordinate location data.
[0035] Console unit 12 can include a recall button 36, which may be
manually activated by a user of the console unit or may be
activated based upon a programmed time elapse. Recall button 36 can
activate an alarm (not shown) on locator device 14. Thus, console
unit 12 allows the user to cause locator device to provide a visual
notification, an audible notification, a vibratory notification,
and any combinations thereof. The notification on locator device
can be used, in the example where a person is associated with
locator device 14, to indicate to the person that the user of the
console unit desires a particular activity, such as returning home
or making contact.
[0036] Console unit 12 can include an audible indicator 38 and/or a
visual indicator (not shown) for notifying the user of the console
unit of one or more alarm conditions. In one embodiment, audible
indicator 38 can be manually activated by a user of locator device
14. Thus, console unit 12 allows the user to receive a visual
and/or audible notification from the locator device 14. In
addition, audible indicator 38 can be sounded in tandem with a
clock timer to alert the parent of a given elapsed time, such that
certain actions can then be taken, for instance recalling the
locator device(s).
[0037] Console unit 12 can include an antenna 40 for wireless
communication purposes. It is contemplated for antenna 40 to be
embedded in console unit 12 itself and, hence, not visible.
[0038] Console unit 12 includes a battery 42 for providing power to
the unit and a power switch 48 for powering on or off the console
unit. Console unit 12 can include a power cord inlet 50 (e.g., AC
adapter connector). In one embodiment, no location of any locator
devices 14 will be performed if console unit 12 is off to preserve
power of battery 42.
[0039] As console unit 12 is a stand-alone unit, it includes a
sturdy casing 44 for robustness and long-term usage, especially
given the nature of the portability of the device. Design
considerations should include limited and reasonable dropping of
the unit not rendering the unit inoperable, with further mechanisms
to allow for a degree of waterproofing. Some design options for
incorporating the sturdy casing and LCD screen may entail a
retractable LCD screen itself or an overall latch cover to protect
the screen from any untoward damage. Further, console unit 12 may
include a secured cord or strap and/or handle 46.
[0040] In the illustrated embodiment, console unit 12 includes an
electronic medium drive 52, such as a DVD drive for receipt of
regarded map 18. Of course, it is contemplated by the present
disclosure for electronic medium drive 52 to include CD/DVD/CD-RW
drives, memory sticks or cards, optical media reading devices, and
others.
[0041] Console unit 12 can also include one or more connector ports
54 to allow the console unit to connect to and allow for any of the
following: software upload/download; connection to the World Wide
Web or otherwise; other hardware and software for example drivers
requirements for a docking unit interface, peripheral attachment
interfaces (for instance a mouse), and infrared devices; ability to
upload and/or download data to a determined web site for upgrade
and/or historical capture respectively; wherein the generalized
hardware design comprises the above in form and function and is not
limited to such, fit and number may be altered for hardware
compliance and will be known to those skilled in the art.
[0042] Console unit 12 is also shown in the illustrated embodiment
having a sync-station mechanism 56. Sync-station mechanism 56 can
be used to synchronize or calibrate control unit 12 to detect a
particular locator device 14. Of course, it is contemplated by the
present disclosure for sync-station mechanism 56 to be embedded in
input devices 30. Thus, the sync-station mechanism 56 can be
effected by either direct interface connection with locator device
14 and/or infrared interfacing of the selected locator device or
otherwise.
[0043] Turning now to FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of locator
device 14 is shown. Locator device 14, in its primary embodiment,
is attached or appended to a child or other person or object to be
monitoring and location verified, per regarded mapping. The locator
device 16 can take any of the following forms, and is not
restricted to such: bracelet, wristband, computer chip (such chip
fashioned to lace into a child's shoe laces or as an article of
clothing, a button for instance), cable tie, ankle strap, necklace,
cell phone, pager, watch, or other object or attachment. Each form
indicates inherent simplicity or conversely complexity and many
such locator devices exist. This present disclosure proposes a
unique console unit that can be synced with any of such, as model
type would allow, for monitoring and location verification. Added
to the requirements of any such locator device, is the fact that it
must be a well-secured mechanism and that any non-specified
interference in its removal will result in an alarm signal on the
console per alarm signal speaker and/or voice processor 38. Any of
an assortment of secure locking mechanisms is advised as would
relate to the specific locator device, and as would thereto
apply.
[0044] As discussed above, audible indicator 38 of console unit 12
can be manually activated by a user of locator device 14. For
example, locator device 14 can include a panic button 60. On
activation of panic button 60, immediate transmission is fed back
to console unit 12. In some embodiments, panic button 60 can be
linked to a local law enforcement agency or/and more regionally to
the 911 system.
[0045] As also discussed above, depressing of recall button 36 of
console unit 12 can activate an alarm 62 on locator device 14.
Alarm 62 can be a blinking or steady light, noise, vibratory
response or otherwise. This relay notifies the object of a present
action to be taken, for instance to alert a child to return to a
predetermined location, or to move back to a safe zone or boundary
parameter.
[0046] Locator device 14 can include a sync-station interface 64
for communication with sync-station mechanism 56 of console unit
12. As noted above, compatibility with the sync-station mechanism
56 is essential for the console unit 12 to recognize and
incorporate the locator device 14.
[0047] Further, locator device 14 can include an active or passive
component 66 for communication with transmitter 24 of system
10.
[0048] Unlike prior systems that determine the location of the
holder of the device with respect to a map, system 10 determines
the location of locator device 14 with respect to regarded map 18.
Thus, system 10 allows the user to determine the location of others
with respect to the location of the console unit 12.
[0049] In the example where console unit 12 is a stand-alone unit,
system 10 finds use in many tourist locations, such as a national
park or amusement park. Here, system 10 can be offered as a rental
service to users of the tourist location. In one example, a service
of using system 10 can be offered on a rental basis. For example, a
parent can rent console unit 12 and can rent a locator device 14
for each of their children. The console unit 12 is pre-programmed
with regarded map 18, which corresponds to the tourist location. In
this manner, the parent can monitor and locate the position of any
child within the tourist location.
[0050] In some embodiments, system 10 is a circular system where
each console unit 12 also includes locator device 14. Here, a group
or number of users can each have console unit 12 and, thus, can
determine the location of the rest of the group within regarded map
18 relative to one another and relative to themselves.
[0051] In embodiments were system 10 is implemented using existing
portable electronic devices, the functionality of the system can be
stored on a readable electronic medium. The readable electronic
medium can be downloaded to a portable electronic device and then
be used with any number of locator devices. For example, a
cellphone provider may offer system 10 as a service to customers on
their network. Here, the cell phone provider can perform all
necessary calculations for determining the coordinates of locator
device 14 and merely provide signals 22 to console unit 12.
[0052] The use of system 10 can be as follows: first, a regarded
map can be loaded on a console unit; next, one or more locator
devices are associated to the console unit and to an object to be
located; and finally the location of the one or more locator
devices is displayed on the console with respect to their location
on the regarded map.
[0053] A method of tracking a person within a desired area is also
provided. The method includes associating a locator device to the
person; setting a regarded map representative of the desired area
in a monitoring device; and calibrating the monitoring device to
the locator device. The monitoring device can be a portable
electronic device. The electronic device can be a device selected
from the group consisting of a portable computer, a cellphone, a
personal digital assistant, a laptop, and any combinations thereof.
The step of setting the regarded map can include downloading the
regarded map from a database or any other preset medium, for
instance a DVD. However, the step of setting the regarded map can
include teaching the monitoring device the desired area by moving
the monitoring device. Here, the step of teaching the monitoring
device the desired area can include placing the monitoring device
in a learn mode and moving the monitoring device to a plurality of
locations defining a boundary of the desired area.
[0054] While the present disclosure has been described with
reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be
made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof
without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In
addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without
departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that
the present disclosure not be limited to the particular
embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated, but that the
disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of
the present disclosure.
* * * * *